Top Flight prop balancer
 

I was given a Top Flight Prop Balancer,
The two tapered pieces that go in the prop are missing.
Can any of you folks tell me what the angle or taper is on those parts?
I have a metal lathe and can make new ones if I knew what I am shooting for.
Thanks in advance.
I realize a new one is only$20 but it would be nice to get this one going again.
D

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

It's not critical, but it's about a 30º angle

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

Thanks MinnFlyer,
what holds the two tapered bushings into the prop?
do they just push in and that is it?
D

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

They have an O-Ring that helps keep them snug

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

Outstanding Minn
I should have figured it was something simple like that!
Thanks again!
Dee

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

simpler than you think...............you can buy them for cheap right here...

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHY63&P=0

as MinnFlyer explained, they have an O-ring in them which is why i bought a few of them for back up.
i have a High Point balancer and couldn't find one of these to replace the one that wore out, and the TF cones work perfect.
i also like the TF balancer.........easy to setup and i don't have to be so careful in regards to dinging up the balancer wheels as i do on the High Point.

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

As a former machininst I can tell you that anyone with a metal lathe would rather DIE than buy a $2 item that he can make for under $30 :D

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

Hey Mike, any way to put some $30 bearings in them?:D Each side that is.

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

that's the truth! I find myself working on a "project" for 3 days that i could just buy for $10 at any hardware or hobby store. the wife thinks it's funny... well at least until i make her something that you can't really buy anywhere. then the jokes stop. But i think you could call this the fabricators disease or Jesse James syndrome or something like that.

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

Mike is right, I don't do steel but I do woodworking and will spend more to make my own jigs. LOL, get ribbed from the wife also.
Bruce Aircraft percision bearings in the cradle I made my daughter. Wood was spalted birch. I could have bought this and the crib for 1/2 it cost me but.. I made it Bearings were about $25 ea :D LOL . We still have that cradle and the crib is on its 3rd owner and 4th child.

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

You just can't get that sort of quality at the store any more.. at least without paying through the nose for it, and even then, you won't get the same thing plus the satisfaction of having made it with your own hands.

Good job!!!

DS.

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

Ah yes, the quality of a cradle made in Taiwan. [:'(]

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

now come on who buys that taiwan junk when you can get it made in china, LOL:D

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

Ah yes.. like my china made Goldberg Tiger 120. Real quality... [:'(]

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

I have a Top Flight Balancer. It works great for props under 12 inches, but for longer props I find myself having to hold the two magnets in place after removing the support rods so the prop won't hit the table.

Is there a better way to use this device for larger props?

RE: Top Flight prop balancer
 

Thanks DS on my build :)

foos, I have not used one so take this with a grain of salt but clothes pins on the shaft to hold the mags in place? Aligator clips?